4 Lysine Supplement Health Benefits
You’ve heard of lysine and have probably even seen it in the vitamin aisle, but what the heck is it and what can it do for you? Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means we need it, but it’s not found in our bodies naturally, so we have it get it from sources like meat, fish, eggs, avocados, nuts and dairy products. We usually manage to get enough of it to keep ourselves healthy, but here are four interesting benefits that might make you consider supplementing your daily dose.
- Nasty cold sore? Lysine is effective in helping treat cold sores. A study conducted by the Southern California University of Health Sciences showed lysine to be effective treatment in 40 percent of participants after three days, and in 87 percent by the sixth day. Lysine ointments, balms and creams can be purchased over-the-counter for cold sore treatment.
- For years lysine has been used to bolster the body’s immune function, but recent studies have shown that lysine deficiency leads to immune deficiency. Simply put, if you are not getting enough lysine, you are far more likely to get sick more often.
- Lysine has been shown to reduce anxiety in people and animals by increasing serotonin levels. In fact, it has been proven that people with a lysine deficiency are more likely to be more anxious than those who get sufficient lysine from their diet or supplements.
- Amino acids are used in the body to build new muscle and to repair damaged tissue, like when we have a sports injury. Therefore, it’s critically important for active people to get enough lysine, either from their diet or from lysine supplements.
So, next time you’re shopping online or taking a stroll through your health food store, consider the benefits lysine may have in store for you.